Tongue Weight Boost With Weight Distribution On A 2011 Toyota Sienna

Updated 02/17/2020 | Published 02/15/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Ultra-Fab Dirt Bike Carrier for 2" Hitches - With Ramp - 77" Long - 500 lbs

(101)

$229.96

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2634)

$19.00

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3909)

$20.94

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

(874)

$94.20

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6576)

$269.36

Question:

Hello, thank you for your time in reading my question. I have a 2011 Toyota Sienna rated to tow 3,500 lbs. The pop up we would like to purchase is well below that but unfortunately it has a hitch weight of 338 lbs and our hitch is rated for 350 lbs. of tongue weight. What is my best option safely handle this? Do I need a weight distribution system? Or, should I simply avoid this scenario all together? Thank you kindly, have a pleasant day.

asked by: Giordano

Expert Reply:

While you can do this it is cutting close to the maximum. I would first confirm if your hitch is rated for weight distribution system and if so, you could look at a solution like the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System, # 66557. This system also comes with the shank so you will just need a properly sized ball like # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter or # A-90 for a 2 inch diameter.

The first step in choosing a weight distribution system is identifying the tongue weight of the trailer when it's fully loaded and ready to tow. To that figure, you'd add the weight of anything (people, cargo, etc) stored behind the rear axle in the bed of the truck. The combined total of these two weights represents the total tongue weight (TTW) of your trailer. Your TTW would ideally be near the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

Tongue weight (TW) refers to the weight that a fully loaded trailer exerts downward on the hitch ball of the tow vehicle. Tongue weight should be between 10-15 percent of gross trailer weight (GTW). For example, a 3,500-lb trailer should have a tongue weight between 350 lbs and 525 lbs.

Adding a weight distribution system will help with sag at the back of your 2011 Toyota Sienna but you would also benefit from some suspension enhancement. I recommend the Timbren system, # TTORSEN04. This system uses hollow rubber springs sit above the axle, helping to stabilize and level the vehicle while providing a more comfortable ride by absorbing road shock and improving roll stability. I have included a link to the installation details for you.

A transmission cooler is not a bad idea also when towing. A popular one we recommend here is the Derale Cooler, # D13502.